{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Japan’s Nikkei index falls by 3.55% at Tokyo market open

Local analysts note that the continuing escalation in the Middle East remains the dominant factor behind the decline in stock prices

TOKYO, March 23. /TASS/. Trading on Asia’s largest Tokyo Stock Exchange opened with a sharp decline in share prices amid the continuing escalation in the Middle East, according to trading data.

The benchmark Nikkei index, which reflects the performance of shares of 225 leading Japanese companies, fell by 3.55% at the opening to 51,479.51 points. By 09:15 local time (03:15 Moscow time), the Nikkei had already dropped by 3.72%.

Local analysts note that the continuing escalation in the Middle East remains the dominant factor behind the decline in stock prices. The drop recorded on US financial markets at the end of last week, where the Dow Jones index fell to its lowest level in five months, also negatively affected investor sentiment in Tokyo.

Tags

Gold price falls below $4,450 per troy ounce, first time since February 2, 2026

By 02:00 Moscow time, the precious metal slowed its decline and was trading at $4,504.5 per troy ounce

Russian security service detains entrepreneur who registered 1,000 SIM cards for Kiev

The FSB noted that to maintain anonymity and conceal financial transactions, all funds were transferred to the perpetrator via cryptocurrency wallets he created

Ukrainian, US delegations to continue talks on March 22, Zelensky says

The US was represented by Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Vladimir Zelensky said

Russian forces destroy up to 230 Ukrainian troops in battles near Artyomovsk

The official representative of the Russian Defense Ministry, Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov, said that two armored combat vehicles, five vehicles and two D-30 howitzers were also destroyed in this direction

UAE fighter jets intercept cruise missiles launched by Iran — Defense Ministry

The UAE Defense Ministry has not yet provided information on the effectiveness of repelling the Iranian attack

Trump earns more in cryptocurrency in one day than he did in real estate in entire life

The trading debut was the biggest financial success for the US president's family since his inauguration

US military denies downing of F-15 fighter jet by Iran

The Iranian army said earlier in the day that an F-15 fighter jet had been attacked and shot down near Hormuz Island off Iran’s southern coast

Cable between Lithuania and Sweden to be restored in two weeks-operator

Cinia, the operator of the cable between Germany and France that was also damaged the day before, told TASS that they "do not know the cause of failure at this stage"

Ukrainian government wants free trade agreement with CIS to be ratified

Last week, Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov stressed the need to ratify the free trade agreement with the CIS as soon as possible

Top Iranian diplomat demands US, Israel compensate for damage to Iranian nuclear sites

Abbas Araghchi slammed the US and Israeli bombardments of Iranian nuclear facilities as an "act of aggression"

Iran confirms attack on Diego Garcia island with ballistic missiles

According to its information, this launch demonstrates a "significant step" in the confrontation with the United States

Oil price ceiling may be road to disintegration of global energy sector — Putin

It is noted that the oil price ceiling is a non-market instrument

New Development Bank to support growth of BRICS countries — President

These include investment in infrastructure, energy transition, digital transformation, human development, and connectivity, as well as the expansion of local goods, NDB President Dilma Rousseff said

Ukrainian forces shell DPR settlements four times over past day

Nine residential buildings and five civilian infrastructure facilities were damaged

Press review: Tehran pursues attrition as Trump delays China visit amid Iran tensions

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, March 17th

Explosion leave city of Shostka in Ukraine’s Sumy Region without power

The cause was explosions on critical infrastructure

Press review: US weighs Iran assault as Middle East war disrupts Kiev air defenses

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, March 20th

Alliance between Russia, Tajikistan strengthens security in Central Asia — Putin

Putin also wished Rahmon good health and success, and all citizens of Tajikistan well-being and prosperity

Europe torn by disagreements but still unwilling to talk with Russia — Peskov

Europe still wants the war in Ukraine to continue and does not know how to pay for it, the Kremlin press secretary said

US administration starts discussing opportunity of peace talks with Iran — Axios

Washington expects that combat operations will last for two - three weeks more

Japan allows use of troops for potential mine clearance in Hormuz Strait

This option may only be considered if the ceasefire is established there, Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said

Argentina can provide for European energy security — President

Javier Milei added that Argentina has enough oil and gas reserves to become a reliable provider for European countries

World's safest airlines

TransAsia plane crash in Taipei became the eighth deadly incident involving Asian aircrafts in the last year

Russia’s public debt up to almost $344 bln in 2024 — Accounts Chamber

As the analytical note of the Accounts Chamber noted, the costs of servicing Russia’s public debt in 2024 increased by 604.5 bln rubles ($7.2 bln), or 35.1%

Kremlin Spokesman’s words of energy crisis in Europe resonate with Europeans — news portal

Dmitry Peskov said on March 20 that the EU member-countries continue "shooting in the leg of their voters" by rejecting Russian energy resources

Strait of Hormuz closed only for those who violate Iran’s borders — president

The illusion of erasing Iran from the map shows desperation against the will of a history-making nation, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said

Eight OPEC+ countries increase oil output by 571,000 bpd in September

The primary "violator" of the OPEC+ production agreement in September was Kazakhstan, which produced 306,000 bpd above its quota

Russian stocks down as main trading session opens

The MOEX and RTS indices lost 1.53% as of 10:00 a.m. Moscow time

Iran ready to allow Japanese ships to pass through Strait of Hormuz — foreign minister

Abbas Araghchi says that the strait is open

Russia's defense contractor to feature advanced military hardware at MAKS air show

Russia's Almaz-Antey Group, the manufacturer of the famous S-300 and S-400 air defense missile systems, will demonstrate over 150 items of military and civil hardware at the MAKS-2017 air show

Trump admits possibility of quick end to operation against Iran

The US president says that Washington is "very close" to meeting its goals in the Middle East

China’s GDP to reach $25.39 bln in 2030 — PM

According to the estimate of Chinese authorities, the annual GDP indicator of the country should grow by more than $4.35 trillion during the 15th five-year period from 2026 to 2030

Russia’s carrier rocket with Progress MS-33 resupply ship launches to orbital outpost

In about nine minutes after the lift-off, the Progress MS-33 resupply ship separated from the upper stage of the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket and entered the designated orbit

Fuel tank fire being extinguished at Primorsk port in Leningrad Region

Personnel have been evacuated, regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko said

Serious damage done to Iran’s power supply facilities in US, Israeli attacks — minister

According to the minister, attacks targeted "dozens of water supplies and desalination facilities and destroyed part of the strategic distribution grids"

Russian troops liberate Potapovka community in Sumy Region over past day

Russian troops struck fuel and energy infrastructure used to support the Ukrainian army’s operations and enemy deployment areas over the past 24 hours, the ministry reported

Ukraine’s population down to 20 mln people by 2025 — British journalist

Will Lloyd says that in 2014, the population was estimated at "just over 40 million"

Some NATO countries working on measures to ensure security in Strait of Hormuz — Rutte

He also said that he maintains contacts with US leader Donald Trump, despite his criticism of NATO

Ukrainian military fired 12 shells on Yelenovka in Donetsk People’s Republic

According to the DPR mission to the Joint Ceasefire Control and Coordination Center, the Ukrainian military also used multiple launch rocket systems to fire two rockets on the residential settlement of Ilovaisk

US leader says he hopes Orban ‘wins big’ in upcoming parliamentary election in Hungary

Parliamentary elections in Hungary are scheduled for April 12

Top Turkish diplomat expects Gulf war to last for another 2-3 weeks

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan added that "talks are unlikely to take place as long as the war continues"

Israeli airbase on Mount Meron attacked by Hezbollah

The base on Mount Meron in Upper Galilee has been attacked by kamikaze drones at least four times

Mercedes suspends plant construction in Russia due to sanctions

The company was considering building a plant in Russia's Vladimir region

Russian UAV teams destroy over 30 Ukrainian army’s supply vehicles in Kharkov Region

All the Ukrainian army’s supply routes are under the constant control of Russian troops

Trump slams Democratic Party as America’s "greatest enemy"

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said on Saturday that Trump had not requested a Congress permission for strikes against Iran

Russian envoy conveys Putin’s condolences at funeral of Georgian patriarch

Ilia II died on the evening of March 17 at a Tbilisi hospital at the age of 93

Killings of Iranian leaders to have serious consequences — Kremlin spokesman

The killings of Iranian leaders are the reality that the world lives in, Peskov pointed out, saying he was hopeful that this would not become normality

US lifts sanctions against two Russians — Treasury Department

The restrictions were discontinued for Yury Korzhavin and Lidia Korzhavina

Russia’s advanced Kornet anti-tank missile system can penetrate any armor, says expert

Kornet missiles possess both the option to attack a target by a paired launch and tandem-charge warheads that strike explosive-reactive armor and pierce various add-on armor plates

US, Israel threaten to drag Caspian nations into conflict around Iran — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, Moscow is growing increasingly concerned over the expanding geography of the US and Israeli airstrikes in Iran

Russian army is liquidating 15 trapped Ukrainian battalions near Kupyansk — Putin

According to the Russian president, the complete liberation of the neighboring village of Kupyansk-Uzlovoy can be expected in a few days

US sanctions on Belavia lifted in part — CEO

The process of settlement of our relations with the US continues, Igor Cherginets noted

Israeli defense minister orders to destroy bridges across Litani River in southern Lebanon

Overnight to March 2, northern Israel came under a missile attack from Lebanon

Russia, Turkey conducting first joint air operation against Islamic State

The air operation involves nine warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Force and eight Turkish Air Force fighters

At least 15 wounded in Iran’s missile attacks on Tel Aviv — medics

According to it, one man was taken to a hospital in condition of medium gravity, 14 others received minor injuries

Consequences of US-Israeli aggression against Iran to last for long time — Lavrov

According to the top Russian diplomat, although some say that this time, history is being repeated as a farce, "it’s far from being a farce"

Russia defines conceptual design of new missile for Tor-M2 anti-aircraft system

Ground Forces Commander-in-Chief Army General Oleg Salyukov said in an interview with the Rossiyskaya Gazeta daily in October that Russia was developing a small-size missile for the Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile system to fight tactical drones

American sailors set fire to USS Gerald R. Ford to avoid fighting — Iranian army

On March 12, the US Naval Forces Central Command reported that a fire broke out on board the USS Gerald R. Ford

Standoff with Israel enters new phase after attack against Dimona

Speaker of the Parliament of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also emphasized that the Israeli airspace is not protected

Ukraine’s military shells Russia’s borderline Kursk Region over 50 times in past day

Ukrainian drone attacks on Kursk damaged five cars and a private home

Two civilians wounded in Ukraine’s attack on Rylsk in Kursk Region

According to the governor, a car and an auxiliary structure were damaged

Slovenia’s ruling Freedom Movement winning parliamentary elections — exit poll

It received 29.9% of the votes

Bosnian Serb leader says plans to attend Victory Parade in Moscow

Milorad Dodik attended celebrations of the 80th anniversary of VE-Day in Moscow in 2025

Putin, Belarusian president discuss global issues, bilateral cooperation in phone call

According to the Belarusian news agency BelTA, the two leaders touched upon the implementation of joint projects

AfD leaders calls for ending conflict in Ukraine through diplomacy

According to the AfD leader, a realistic variant of a peace agreement should include security guarantees for both parties, as well as the lifting of sanctions, and the establishment of an international fund to restore territories affected by the conflict

Number of people injured in shelling of Israel’s Arad increases to 88

Ten of them are in the grave condition

Japan’s Nikkei index falls by 3.55% at Tokyo market open

Local analysts note that the continuing escalation in the Middle East remains the dominant factor behind the decline in stock prices

Russia’s Strategic Missile Force to hold over 100 drills this year

The drills will involve multiservice interacting forces and capabilities

Russian naval base in Sudan to strengthen Russia's presence in region — expert

The agreement between Russia and Sudan to establish a logistics center for the Russian Navy was announced in early December 2020

Qatari army helicopter crushed at sea due to technical failure — Defense Ministry

Russia’s state commission clears Progress MS-33 space freighter for launch

The launch of the Progress MS-33 cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Moscow time on March 22

Switzerland suspends weapons exports to US due to Iran conflict

The country also refrained from issuing "licenses for the export of military equipment to Israel" and Iran for several years

Late Georgian patriarch buried at Tbilisi’s Sioni Cathedral

Ilia II died on the evening of March 17 at a Tbilisi hospital at the age of 93

Israeli top brass approves plan of ground operations in Lebanon — IDF

The operation against the Hezbollah terrorist organization has only begun, Eyal Zamir said

London must provide fingerprints of Skripal case suspects to Interpol — diplomat

Earlier, British Ambassador to Moscow Laurie Bristow declined to provide the fingerprints to the Russian Foreign Ministry

Missile launched from Iran toward Israel may have landed in Lebanon — Ynet

According to the news portal, such an incident has been recorded for the first time since the start of Israel’s operation against Iran

Russia ready to discuss construction of new railways with Mongolia — transport minister

Freight traffic on Mongolian railways is on the rise, Andrey Nikitin noted

Gold price falls below $4,450 per troy ounce, first time since February 2, 2026

By 02:00 Moscow time, the precious metal slowed its decline and was trading at $4,504.5 per troy ounce

Volvo considering car assembly in Russia — media

An economic evaluation regarding car production on Russian territory is being drafted at the moment

Consultations between the US, Ukraine dedicated to settlement issues — special envoy

Steve Witkoff stressed that the delegations held constructive meetings

Nissan mulls transferring part of production from Japan to the US due to tariffs

The automaker also told the local authorities that it intends to maintain production capacities in the prefecture despite the reduction in production

Ukrainian military to blow up experimental nuclear reactor at Kharkov Institute — ministry

The Russian Defense Ministry noted that "on March 6, foreign journalists arrived in Kharkov to register the consequences of the provocation, followed by accusing Russia of creating an environmental disaster"

France’s culture minister says there was theft at Louvre

The Louvre is now closed to the public

Magnetic storm that began yesterday on Earth becomes strongest over past 2 months

Scientists explained that the geomagnetic situation will fully normalize on March 24

Finance Ministry to introduce AI assistants to improve working processes — Sber CEO

According to Herman Gref, a full-fledged multi-agent system of AI assistants will perform a significantly larger set of functions, speed up and streamline the budget process

Kuwait’s civil aviation authority lodges protest against Iranian attacks with ICAO

Kuwait’s airspace has been closed since February 28

Chinese market soar by 300 times over last 40 years — PM

Retail sales in China hit $7.25 trillion in 2025

Iranian army delivers drone strike on Israel’s Ben Gurion airport — media

The Iranian attack largely involved Arash-2 drones that are an advanced and more destructive version of Kian and Arash-1 unmanned aerial vehicles

Iran warns of retaliatory strikes against US infrastructural facilities in Middle East

The relevant statement was made by the General Staff of the Iranian armed forces

Slovenia’s opposition Democratic Party narrowly winning parliamentary elections

The ruling Freedom Movement of Prime Minister Robert Golob is coming second with 28.2% of votes

Ten MIG-31 fighter jets fitted with Kinzhal air-launched missiles on test combat duty

MIG-31 fits best for accelerating these missiles to required speeds, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said

Press review: US tries to assemble Hormuz tanker coalition as Russia eyes new fuel markets

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, March 16th

Israel conducts another wave of attacks on military targets in Tehran — IDF

In parallel, the IDF struck an additional headquarters of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and the emergency headquarters center of the Internal Security Forces

US diplomat says Pentagon preparing scenarios of deploying troops to Iran

US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mike Waltz refuted medial allegations about failures in the Pentagon’s military planning as "fake CNN reports"

Russia to continue supporting private investment in research and development — Putin

The Russian president also said that a new national project to ensure technological leadership in the field of new materials and chemistry was launched this year

Over 81,000 civilian facilities damaged in Iran since late February — Red Crescent

According to his statement cited on the IRCS Telegram channel, among these facilities are medical centers, schools, and ambulance cars

Russia’s latest S-500, S-350 systems to enter service soon

In 2019, the first group of officers will complete a training course to use S-500 — a long-range system that will form the backbone of Russia’s integrated air defense and missile defense shield

News summary for January 8

All the headlines from the day's news

Slovenia to engage armed forces in fuel transportation

Prime Minister Robert Golob noted that the country's authorities will introduce a limit for fuel purchases totaling 50 liters for individuals and 200 liters for legal entities

Press review: US, Russia may agree on Crimea as US, Israel differ on Iran war

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, March 18th